Smoke School Information in Minnesota
Smoke school and state air quality information
VIRTUAL SMOKE SCHOOLS:
The Federal EPA has approved CAA's VirtualOpacity® VR smoke school. See below for this state's acceptance status. Read the EPA's approval letter »
Learn about VirtualOpacity »
VIRTUAL SMOKE SCHOOLS:
There are no upcoming public smoke schools in MN. Check below for the status of our virtual reality implementation for Minnesota, or email us to request a school in your area.
PRIVATE IN-PERSON SMOKE SCHOOLS:
Compliance Assurance offers private, on-site smoke schools that are affordable and convenient. Learn more »
Have questions? Call us at 901-381-9960 or email info@compliance-assurance.com.
Minnesota Acceptance Status for VirtualOpacity® — EPA ALT-152A
Accepted.
Minnesota Visible Emissions / Opacity Standard
The opacity limit for Minnesota is Existing facilities: 20% opacity with one 6-min period per hour up to 33%; new facilities: flat 20%, no exception period, as established under Minn. R. 7011.0105 (existing, pre-Feb 1, 1977) and 7011.0110 (new, post-Jan 31, 1977).
Compliance is demonstrated via EPA Method 9 (40 CFR Part 60, Appendix A).
Averaging period: 20% standard: 6-minute average; existing sources: one 6-minute period per hour up to 33% allowed
Minnesota's general visible emissions standard is 20% with a single-period exception of 33% for existing sources (vs. the more common 40% seen in other states). New sources have a strict 20% with no exception period.
Last verified July 8, 2026
Note: Regulations change — always verify current requirements with your state's air quality agency before making compliance decisions. This page is for informational purposes and is not legal advice; consult a qualified attorney or environmental compliance professional for guidance specific to your facility.
Air Quality Agency Information for Minnesota
Website: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/
Phone: (800) 657-3864
Address: 520 Lafayette Rd., North, St. Paul, MN 55155-4194